Minister of International Cooperation Julian Fantino presented the awards at the event.

“Through your work, all of you have left important Canadian footprints in the developing world,” said Minister Fantino. “You exemplify the virtues that make our country great, and stand as excellent examples of the calibre of Canadians receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.”

Louise Fréchette, chair of the Board of Directors and Kevin McCort, CARE Canada’s president and CEO, co-hosted the ceremony.

“These medals are recognition of the important role that CARE, as an active, engaged non-governmental organization plays in promoting Canada’s values of tolerance and social justice across the world,” said Mr. McCort. “Canadians from all walks of life want to support our collective development goals, and many find organizations like CARE provide the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.”

In closing, Madame Fréchette spoke of the important contribution each recipient has made to CARE.

“The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal you have been awarded is not simply a reflection of the significant contribution you have made to CARE,” she said. “It is a symbol of the important work you have done to ensure CARE has the proper governance, structure and resources to move forward, to meet our mandate to defend dignity and fight global poverty for years to come.”

CARE Canada Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients

In total, 31 individuals will receive the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from CARE Canada. Of this number, 21 recipients were present at the Ottawa ceremony, while others will receive their medals in subsequent events across the country. View photos from the Ottawa ceremony.

In addition, six members of CARE Canada’s Board of Directors automatically received the medal as holders of the Order of Canada, while three additional Board members were presented the award from other organizations.